Acoustic Services

Acoustic Services

An extensive range of acoustic services from NHBC in partnership with BSRIA (Building Services Research & Information Association). Our team of experienced Institute Of Acoustics member technicians and consultants can assist you with independent acoustic design advice, research/development and compliance with Building Regulations and Code for Sustainable Homes requirements.

Acoustic Services offered by NHBC

Testing in England and Wales

Our sound insulation testing service is offered nationwide, delivered by an extensive network of local technicians & consultants.

Testing in Scotland

Design Advice

Our team of Institute of Acoustics member consultants provide independent acoustic design advice, research/development, compliance with Building Regulations and Code for Sustainable Homes requirements.

Environmental Noise

Testing in England and Wales

For all projects from small housing developments to commercial schemes.

Part E of the Building Regulations requires that new attached homes are designed and constructed to provide reasonable resistance to the passage of sound and that, unless the homes are registered with Robust Details Limited, a sample of dwellings on every new development will have to be tested.

Our technicians and consultants have carried out over 20,000 sound insulation tests and have the experience to help you on any scheme. Using our pre-completion testing service gives you:

fast response, quick results - testing is arranged around your build schedule and you will receive an immediate indication of test performance on site, with a full certificate/report sent electronically shortly afterwards

expert remedial advice - if your development fails any of the tests, helping you achieve compliance as quickly as possible. We will, whenever possible, undertake re-tests during the same visit to help you get the pass you need

a complete compliance solution - if you combine your sound insulation testing with NHBC building control and our air leakage or energy rating services. We will ensure swift communication between teams to clear outstanding technical conditions.

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Sound insulation post-completion testing in Scotland

For small housing developments to commercial schemes.

Section 5 of the Scottish Building Standards sets the performance standards and the requirements for post-completion testing of the separating walls and floors of attached new dwellings in Scotland.

Using our post-completion testing service gives you:

fast response, quick results - testing is arranged around your build schedule and you will receive an immediate indication of test performance on site, with a full certificate/report sent electronically shortly afterwards

expert remedial advice if your development fails any of the tests, helping you achieve compliance as quickly as possible. We will, whenever possible, undertake re-tests during the same visit to help you get the pass you need

a complete compliance solution if you combine your sound insulation testing with air leakage or Section 6 energy services. We will ensure swift communication between teams to clear outstanding technical conditions.

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Design Advice

Impartial, professional acoustic consultancy and design advice

Achieving good acoustic performance in buildings is not always easy, especially if:

there isn't a suitable Robust Detail for your project

your building is a conversion

the performance requirements are set higher than the Part E minimum; or

a sound test has failed.

Our technicians and consultants can work with you to achieve the required level of performance,however complex the project. Using the NHBC team, you will benefit from:

technical excellence gained from providing consultancy on a wide range of projects (from small housing developments to multi-residential, mixed-use or commercial sites) as well as experience from carrying out over 20,000 sound insulation tests.

independent advice - we are not affiliated with any manufacturer so the advice you receive is completely impartial. All correspondence with you remains strictly private and confidential.

a thorough, fully-researched solution because we will work closely with you to explore a variety of options to achieve the necessary standard and will always aim to provide more than one option/solution

robust, cost effective advice.

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Environmental Noise

Expert advice to discharge PPG24 or PAN 01/2011 conditions

Sites in noisy locations (e.g. near to roads or train lines) may be subject to noise-related planning conditions. We are experienced in providing environmental noise advice on a wide range of projects from small residential developments to large, multi-residential, mixed-use or commercial sites. Our team provides:.

fast response, quick results - we have expert staff located throughout the UK to provide a fast response and the reports you need to fit in with your schedule

expert advice to ensure compliance - in addition to categorising your site in terms of its noise exposure category (NEC) as per PPG24*, we can also calculate the anticipated internal noise levels and help specify acoustic performance requirements for noise barriers (if necessary), façade construction, windows/doors/ ventilator performance

early advice to avoid costly remedial work later on - seeking expert acoustic advice early in the life of a project can make a great deal of difference. We have sometimes been asked to help after the development has been completed. Whilst we can help at this late stage, it can involve substantial and costly additional works such as changing windows/ventilators.

NHBC is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. National House Building Council is registered in England and Wales under company number 320784. NHBC's registered address is; NHBC House, Davy Avenue, Knowlhill, Milton Keynes, Bucks, MK5 8FP.